Uncanny X-Force #26 Review

Wolverine is the new Blob.

After The Dark Angel Saga, I wondered if Rick Remender would ever again attain that same level of nuanced, awesome, disgusting storytelling. With Uncanny X-Force #26, he proves that no matter the scenario, he is capable of creating an engrossing character-driven tale that is sure to entertain. He effectively splits X-Force apart in the most painful way imaginable, pulling on the characters’ heartstrings as much as ours. To cap it off, he reveals the latest iteration of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, and despite the eternal cheesiness of that name, he makes it clear that these guys are deadly serious.

Deadpool steals this issue as he uses the nemesis-creating computer to conjure up the ultimate expression of his character: a killer with crazy weapons who has deep affection for Wolverine. Meanwhile, Fantomex and Betsy attempt to deal with the life-changing ramifications of being a part of X-Force. Fantomex parties with bizarre babes to try and get over his feelings for Betsy, while Betsy seeks out aid from the Jean Grey School. Predictably, things do not turn out well for either character, but it is the bare, personal nature of the plot twists that make Remender’s script so engaging. You can taste the tragedy.

Phil Noto maintains the realistic look of Uncanny X-Force that has made it stand out as the darkest title amongst the X-books. Even though Wolverine puffs up to the size of the Blob, there’s a grotesque realism to it. Noto also scores a laugh without the help of dialog that, for all intents and purposes, should not be that darn funny. I don’t want to spoil it, but it involves the new skinless villain and the reaction shot of a man watering his lawn. The shot only proves that Remender is up to his usual memory-staining imagery, and Noto is ready for the challenge.

Joshua is a writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter or IGN, where he is hell-bent on making sure you know his opinion about comic books.